New School Superintendent Emphasizes Career Readiness in Volusia County, FL
Volusia County Schools is at the forefront of the region’s workforce development efforts, equipping students with the essential skills and knowledge to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy in the region and around the world.
At the school district’s helm is Dr. Carmen Balgobin, a 25-year veteran educator who recently returned to Volusia County – she served as interim superintendent from 2020 to 2022 – to lead the district in empowering students toward academic and personal success.
Balgobin shares her goals as superintendent for Volusia County Schools and how the district can contribute to a 21st century workforce.
In This Article
What inspired you to pursue a career in education, and what continues to drive your passion for this work?
My journey into education was deeply influenced by my father, who firmly believed that a good education is a person’s ticket to success in life and is something no one can take away from you.
Growing up in modest circumstances, I focused all of my energy and attention on school, holding onto my father’s words as a guiding light.
Today, the Volusia County Schools community fuels my passion. The dedication of our students, families, teachers and staff brings life to our mission: to create lifelong learners prepared for an ever-changing global society. Education is the most powerful tool you can provide to any child, and I am privileged to contribute to shaping the future through it.
How does Volusia County Schools prepare students for success in the 21st century workforce?
From their earliest days in kindergarten through high school graduation, our students are engaging in high levels of learning to prepare them for the future. Foundational skills in language arts, math, science and social studies set the stage for lifelong learning, while our nearly 100 career and technical education (CTE) programs and academies provide pathways for students to explore their passions and career interests. These programs begin as early as middle school, offering students hands-on experiences that align with the demands of the modern workforce.
In high school, CTE students are gaining hands-on experience and industry certifications in fields such as aerospace, engineering, culinary arts, automotive, criminal justice, welding, marketing and many more that will leave them better prepared for a 21st century workforce.
Furthermore, by introducing world languages such as Spanish and French beginning in elementary school, we’re equipping students with skills to be successful in a global workforce, including bilingualism, biliteracy and biculturalism.
Several schools in the county are undergoing rebuilds and renovations. How will these facilities enhance the learning experience for students?
We were thrilled to open new campuses at the beginning of this school year for Turie T. Small Elementary School in Daytona Beach and Tomoka Elementary School in Ormond Beach. These campuses feature modern designs with abundant natural light, vibrant colors, and collaborative spaces that foster creativity and engagement.
In addition to increasing capacity, these enhancements make it easier for both our students and our teachers to thrive. These schools are also being equipped with new technology that further enriches the learning experiences.
Looking ahead, we’re eagerly preparing for the openings of new campuses for Edith I. Starke Elementary in DeLand and Orange City Elementary in the 2025-26 school year.
Volusia County Schools at a Glance
57th largest school district in the U.S.
14th largest school district in Florida
61K+ students served
45 elementary schools, 13 middle schools, 10 high schools
In addition, there are nine alternative schools, seven charter schools, two combination schools (K-8 or 6-12), and one district virtual instruction program.
The district offers nearly 100 CTE programs and academies, including the Academy of Gaming and Simulation and the Academy of Scientific Inquiry & Medicine.
What makes Volusia County Schools stand out as a great choice for families?
In addition to providing outstanding instruction, CTE programs and language courses, Volusia County Schools offers a range of opportunities tailored to diverse student needs and aspirations. Programs like Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment, Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program prepare students for both college and career success.
What are some of your goals/ plans for the district’s future?
Our district has made tremendous strides, with rising graduation rates, increasing grades, and an ever-growing list of offerings in our CTE and language programs. In addition to expanding upon this success, one exciting initiative on the horizon is the launch of our second state-of-the-art STEM bus – a mobile learning lab that travels to schools, introducing students to concepts like virtual reality, robotics, electricity and microscopes.
As technology continues to reshape education, we are committed to ensuring our students have access to tools and experiences that prepare them for the evolving demands of the 21st century.
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